Most babies can begin eating solid foods around the age of six months. However, it is a good idea to check with your baby’s pediatrician before starting him or her on solid foods. Good nutrition is one of the key things that will keep your baby healthy. Below are 10 of the best starter foods for babies:

Rice Cereal

Health experts often recommend rice cereal as a first food for babies because they are less likely to have an allergic reaction to it than other types of foods, such as wheat and oats. Rice cereal can very easily be blended with formula or breast milk.

Leafy Greens

Leafy greens, such as spinach and collard greens, are filled with folate, iron and vitamin C. You can steam and puree some greens and mix them with cereal. You can also add them to some brown rice before you puree.

Beans

Beans are rich in protein and fiber. Fiber will help prevent constipation. Keep in mind that it is common for a baby to suffer from constipation as he or she transitions to solid foods. You can puree some beans and make hummus. You will also need tahini, olive oil, lemon and garlic.

Squash

Squash is filled with vitamin A and C. It is also naturally sweet, and most babies love it! You can puree some squash and mix it with beans. Or most grocery stores sell pre-pureed squash in a frozen block (equal to a few jars and cheaper). Just put it in a dish in the fridge to thaw the day before.

Bananas

Bananas are very easy to mash up and are packed with fiber and potassium. Babies are also less likely to have an allergic reaction to bananas than many other types of foods.

Ripe Avocado

Ripe avocados are also very easy to smash. They are an excellent source of healthy fats. In fact, avocados are the second-highest source of monounsaturated fats. They are easily mixed with brown rice or veggies.

Pears

Even if pears are not in season, you can probably find pureed pears in the baby food aisle. Fiber and vitamin C are some of the many nutrients that can be found in pears. Pureed pears go great with rice cereal.

Mandarin Oranges

Mandarin oranges are very easy to puree and packed with nutrition. You can buy canned oranges, but you want to make sure that they are not filled with syrup.

Broccoli

Broccoli has calcium, folate and fiber. You will need to steam the broccoli until it is quite soft, cut it up in small pieces and then chill. Babies are more likely to accept chilled broccoli. (Or puree for the younger babies, of course.)

Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a great source of beta-carotene, magnesium and potassium. They are naturally sweet and full of fiber, and most babies love them.

Blueberries

Blueberries contain flavonoids, which are good for your baby’s urinary tract, eyes and brain. You can add a quarter cup of water to a half cup of blueberries, put it in the microwave for one minute and then allow it to cool.